Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 25, 2010:
A three-day training programme of stakeholders in different schemes taken up under Social Defence was opened at State Guest House today.
The training programme is being organised by the Centre for Women Development, Keishamthong under the aegis of the National Institute of Social Defence.
The opening function was graced by Social Welfare Director S Saratchandra as chief guest, Social Welfare Deputy Director Sirinder Shishak as president and Assistant Professor of RIMS Post Partum Programme T Ibetombi as guest of honour.
Giving key-note address of the function, president of the Women Action for Development Jibanmala said that the Government of India has launched various schemes under Social Defence for the welfare of women, children, disabled persons, HIV/AIDS affected people and aged persons.
But the targeted beneficiaries have limited knowledge about these schemes.
That is why, the training programme is being organised specifically for the stakeholders.
S Saratchandra said that the word �defence' usually refers to social defence and state defence in the country.
Out of the two, the Government made more expenditure on state defence.
Because of the relatively much smaller expenditure on social defence, coupled with little awareness among the stakeholders, a large number of women, children, disabled and aged persons are facing seemingly insurmountable social insecurity.
Observing that people of hill districts are more vulnerable to human trafficking, particularly women and children, Sirinder Shishak suggested roping in village chiefs and pastors during such training programmes in hill districts.